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troymayr
May 14, 2007, 7:00 PM
Post #1 of 20
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Registered: Dec 5, 2005
Posts: 13
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Friends of Williamson Rock,
Today we were informed by the USFS that letters may be postmarked before 5 PM, June 6th 2007, this Wednesday.
Previously we were told that letter must be received by the due date.
So this gives you a little more time to make your voice heard!
Please mail your letter to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
As an absolute last resort, if you are unable to drop a letter in the mail, then you can send your comments via e-mail to:
<jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us>
jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us
Again, a hard copy letter is much preferred over e-mail.
Some general writing points (put it into your own words):
-State why climbing at Williamson is important to you, the beauty of the area etc.
-Climbers (you) respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb and are committed to access and conservation.
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Include your contact info (include name, address and email)
Thank you all for your attention, time and effort!
Troy Mayr
This post should be at the top of the list...
NOW is the time to make your voice heard!
The USFS scoping letter has been released.
Here's a link to view to the USFS main page, see the right column under ‘News’. You can download the scoping letter from this webpage also.
<http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/>
Here's a link to view to the USFS news release.
<http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/news/2007/news-2007-05-10-comments-on-williamson-rock-access.shtml>
You may also download the scoping letter (PDF) on the FoWR blog here.
<http://williamsonrock.org/blog/>
Positive comments from the climbing community are encouraged in the form of a written letter (preferred over e-mail).
Quantity is the key here, we need a lot of climbers to write in, so forward this to your climbing partners!
Some general writing points (keep it simple):
-The MYLF (Mountain Yellow Legged Frog) and climbing can co-exist.
-Climbers respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem (that’s why we organized FoWR).
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbing is a valid and historical use of the area.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Climbers support the “Proposed Action”.
Comments may be mailed to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
Letters are due no later than June 6, 2007
Thanks!
Troy Mayr
FoWR
Hi Friends of Williamson Rock,
I'm sure you're curious how our response was to the USFS Scoping Letter.
Here's a brief update.
The good news:
I spoke with our primary contact at the USFS and asked him how the climber response was going.
He said:
"I give up. There are 100's, they are pouring in like rain!"
So a huge thank you to all who took the time to write!!!
The other news:
The USFS did receive a letter that could have a negative affect for us (which we expected).
While the group who wrote doesn't appear to be against climbing in any way, they are adamant about
protecting endangered species above all else (recreation etc.).
In short they will push for a full E.I.S. as opposed to an E.A.
Here are the pertinent definitions.
EA: Environmental Assessment - Generally, an EA includes brief discussions of the following: the need for the proposal; alternatives (when there is an unresolved conflict concerning alternative uses of available resources); the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives; and a listing of agencies and persons consulted.
EIS: Environmental Impact Assessment (Study) - A National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) document. An EIS, should include discussions of the purpose of and need for the action, alternatives, the affected environment, the environmental consequences of the proposed action, lists of preparers, agencies, organizations and persons to whom the statement is sent, an index, and an appendix (if any).
Next step:
The USFS I.D. Team will review the letters received and make a decision as to how to proceed.
We are off to a great start but as I have said before the process is cumbersome and slow, so I ask you to continue be patient.
Our track record with the USFS is stellar and your response was awesome this will help tremendously as we move forward.
We will let you know and other details as they become available to us.
Thanks again for your effort and support!
Troy Mayr
(This post was edited by troymayr on Jun 7, 2007, 5:25 PM)
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fredbob
Jun 3, 2007, 6:07 PM
Post #2 of 20
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/forum/gforum.cgi?do=forum_view&forum=54&
See other thread too.
You have until June 6, 2007 to write a short letter in support of getting this major sport climbing crag re-opened.
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fredbob
Jun 4, 2007, 3:50 PM
Post #4 of 20
(11021 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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How many sport climbers are there in So. Cal?
The poor showing of letters/comments to the Forest Service thus far to re-open the best summer sport climbing in the entire region is embarassing.
Your voice can make a difference.
Each individual letter (no matter how brief) is counted as representing the opinion of hundreds of others.
Your letter is important.
For all the stuff people get worked up about (and write long empassioned posts upon) on this site, you would think the chance to re-open a major climbing area would elicit a bit more of a response.
Go to the link Curt posted above. Take 5-10 minutes and feel proud.
Randy Vogel
(This post was edited by fredbob on Jun 4, 2007, 3:51 PM)
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fredbob
Jun 4, 2007, 6:30 PM
Post #5 of 20
(11002 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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NOW is the time to make your voice heard!
The USFS scoping letter has been released.
The Scoping letter contains a proposal that the existing short trail to Williamson Rock be improved and re-opened to allow the re-opening of Williamson Rock to climbing (the entire crag has been closed since 2005).
You may also download the scoping letter (PDF) on the FoWR blog here.
http://williamsonrock.org/blog/
Positive comments from the climbing community are encouraged in the form of a written letter (preferred over e-mail).
Quantity is the key here, we need a lot of climbers to write in, so forward this to your climbing partners!
Some general writing points (keep it simple):
-The MYLF (Mountain Yellow Legged Frog) and climbing can co-exist.
-Climbers respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem (that’s why we organized FoWR).
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbing is a valid and historical use of the area.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Climbers support the “Proposed Action”.
Comments may be mailed to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
Letters are due no later than June 6, 2007
Additional Resources:
Here's a link to view to the USFS main page, see the right column under ‘News’. You can download the scoping letter from this webpage also.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/
Here's a link to view to the USFS news release.
http://www.fs.fed.us/...on-rock-access.shtml
(This post was edited by fredbob on Jun 4, 2007, 6:37 PM)
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troymayr
Jun 4, 2007, 11:27 PM
Post #6 of 20
(10955 views)
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Registered: Dec 5, 2005
Posts: 13
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Today we were informed by the USFS that letters may be postmarked before 5 PM, June 6th 2007, this Wednesday.
Previously we were told that letter must be received by the due date.
So this gives you a little more time to make your voice heard!
Please mail your letter to:
John F. Capell, District Ranger
Attn. Jonathan Schwartz
Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District
30800 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91390
As an absolute last resort, if you are unable to drop a letter in the mail, then you can send your comments via e-mail to:
<jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us>
jonathanschwartz@fs.fed.us
Again, a hard copy letter is much preferred over e-mail.
Some general writing points (put it into your own words):
-State why climbing at Williamson is important to you, the beauty of the area etc.
-Climbers (you) respect and care for the natural areas in which we climb and are committed to access and conservation.
-Climbers are good stewards of the area.
-Climbers are willing to work with the USFS and other agencies to mitigate the problem.
-Williamson is a very valuable resource to climbers (no alternative crag like it).
-Include your contact info (include name, address and email)
Thank you all for your attention, time and effort!
Troy Mayr
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curt
Jun 4, 2007, 11:50 PM
Post #7 of 20
(10943 views)
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Registered: Aug 27, 2002
Posts: 18275
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Here'a a copy of my letter, Randy:
Mr. John F. Capell,
As a former Southern California resident and frequent user of the rock climbing resources found in our National Forests, I want to be on record as supporting the proposed trail construction project at Williamson Rock. I view this as a workable solution that will allow the endangered species found in the area and recreational users of the land to coexist.
Historically, climbing has been considered a legitimate use of our public parks and forests going back practically to the earliest days of their formation. In addition, the very origins of climbing in this country are rooted in environmentalism, extending back to the days of John Muir. Thus, I am quite pleased to see that good faith efforts are being made to allow rock climbing to resume at Williamson Rock.
Best regards,
Curt Shannon
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climbsomething
Jun 5, 2007, 10:54 AM
Post #8 of 20
(10883 views)
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Registered: May 30, 2002
Posts: 8588
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BAM!
I know writing and mailing a snail mail letter is a quaint old tradition, but it's one that should be done.
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sharpender
Jun 5, 2007, 4:03 PM
Post #9 of 20
(10857 views)
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Registered: Apr 15, 2003
Posts: 663
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Thanks Troy. I was just logging in here to post the same message. I hope climbers from other areas who come and climb in Southern California take note and send messages as well.
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fixedpin
Jun 5, 2007, 4:53 PM
Post #10 of 20
(10843 views)
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Registered: Apr 22, 2003
Posts: 66
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I wrote my letter.
That feels so much better.
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alpinismo_flujo
Jun 5, 2007, 5:53 PM
Post #11 of 20
(10827 views)
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Registered: Jan 14, 2006
Posts: 603
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^It's going to feel even better when we get back to Williamson...what a great place!
<bump>
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fredbob
Jun 5, 2007, 8:55 PM
Post #12 of 20
(10801 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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Letters must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 6, 2007 to be counted.
Thanks to all who have sent letters and/or emails.
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alpinismo_flujo
Jun 5, 2007, 9:09 PM
Post #13 of 20
(10795 views)
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Registered: Jan 14, 2006
Posts: 603
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fredbob wrote: Letters must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 6, 2007 to be counted. Thanks to all who have sent letters and/or emails.
You're welcome 
bumpski
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fredbob
Jun 5, 2007, 10:40 PM
Post #14 of 20
(10769 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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fredbob wrote: Letters must be postmarked by Wednesday, June 6, 2007 to be counted. Thanks to all who have sent letters and/or emails.
Apparently postmark must be before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
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socalbolter
Jun 5, 2007, 11:32 PM
Post #15 of 20
(10752 views)
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Registered: Mar 27, 2002
Posts: 796
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For those that aren't familiar with Williamson, it is one of the major SoCal climbing areas and home to some wonderful routes. Perhaps even more importantly, its sheer size allows for better disbursement of the region's many climbers.
If you think that a decision on access to a crag that is perhaps far away from your home means nothing to you - think again. Federal level decisions like the ones pending here can set precedents for future decisions elsewhere. Maybe next time your favorite crag will be the one on the chopping block.
I wrote my letter a few weeks back. Please write or email yours today.
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blouderk2
Jun 6, 2007, 5:15 AM
Post #16 of 20
(10720 views)
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Registered: Jun 7, 2004
Posts: 343
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Sent mine today. Bump!
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fredbob
Jun 6, 2007, 3:32 PM
Post #17 of 20
(10684 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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socalbolter wrote: For those that aren't familiar with Williamson, it is one of the major SoCal climbing areas and home to some wonderful routes. Perhaps even more importantly, its sheer size allows for better disbursement of the region's many climbers. If you think that a decision on access to a crag that is perhaps far away from your home means nothing to you - think again. Federal level decisions like the ones pending here can set precedents for future decisions elsewhere. Maybe next time your favorite crag will be the one on the chopping block.
Well said.
Please write your letter now, not later.
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fredbob
Jun 6, 2007, 8:12 PM
Post #18 of 20
(10667 views)
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Registered: Mar 7, 2003
Posts: 455
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Last Day to send a letter or an email.
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troymayr
Jun 7, 2007, 5:26 PM
Post #19 of 20
(10631 views)
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Registered: Dec 5, 2005
Posts: 13
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Hi Friends of Williamson Rock,
I'm sure you're curious how our response was to the USFS Scoping Letter.
Here's a brief update.
The good news:
I spoke with our primary contact at the USFS and asked him how the climber response was going.
He said:
"I give up. There are 100's, they are pouring in like rain!"
So a huge thank you to all who took the time to write!!!
The other news:
The USFS did receive a letter that could have a negative affect for us (which we expected).
While the group who wrote doesn't appear to be against climbing in any way, they are adamant about
protecting endangered species above all else (recreation etc.).
In short they will push for a full E.I.S. as opposed to an E.A.
Here are the pertinent definitions.
EA: Environmental Assessment - Generally, an EA includes brief discussions of the following: the need for the proposal; alternatives (when there is an unresolved conflict concerning alternative uses of available resources); the environmental impacts of the proposed action and alternatives; and a listing of agencies and persons consulted.
EIS: Environmental Impact Assessment (Study) - A National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) document. An EIS, should include discussions of the purpose of and need for the action, alternatives, the affected environment, the environmental consequences of the proposed action, lists of preparers, agencies, organizations and persons to whom the statement is sent, an index, and an appendix (if any).
Next step:
The USFS I.D. Team will review the letters received and make a decision as to how to proceed.
We are off to a great start but as I have said before the process is cumbersome and slow, so I ask you to continue be patient.
Our track record with the USFS is stellar and your response was awesome this will help tremendously as we move forward.
We will let you know and other details as they become available to us.
Thanks again for your effort and support!
Troy Mayr
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billcoe_
Jan 14, 2008, 5:52 AM
Post #20 of 20
(10225 views)
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Registered: Jun 30, 2002
Posts: 4694
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Any update fellas?
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